Sophie Scholl was born 9th of May 1921 when her father was the mayor of Forchtenberg am Kocher. At school she learnt easily and had a carefree childhood. In 1932 she entered a secondary school for girls. At the age of 12, she, with most of her classmates, joined the Hitler Youth. Her original enthusiasm gradually gave way to criticism as she became aware of dissenting political views of her father, of friends and some of her teachers.

She had a talent for drawing and painting, was an avid reader, developing an interest in philosophy and theology.

In May 1942 she enrolled at the University of Munich to study biology and philosophy. Her brother Hans was studying medicine there and introduced her to his friends. Although this group were eventually known for their political affairs, they were initially drawn together by a shared love of music, literature, philosophy and theology. Hiking, skiing and swimming were also important and they often attended concerts, plays and lectures together. Sophie met many new people who shared her concern with the Christian faith. Of foremost importance was the question of how the individual must act under dictatorship.

During this period her father was serving time in prison for making a critical remark about Hitler to an employee.In the summer of 1942 Sophie participated in the production and distribution of leaflets for The White Rose resistance group and she was arrested on February 18th 1943 while distributing them at the university along with her brother Hans and friend Christoph Probst. They were reported to the Gestapo by a janitor, condemned to death by Judge Roland Friesler and executed by guillotine.
Prison officials emphasised the courage with which she walked to her execution.